THARAKA NITHI, Kenya – President William Ruto on Monday escalated his public feud with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing his erstwhile political partner of “modern-day colonialism” during a high-stakes tour of the Mount Kenya region.
The President’s visit to Tharaka Nithi County served as a powerful endorsement of the new Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki. Addressing a crowd of supporters, Ruto lauded Kindiki’s humility and commitment to national duty, contrasting it with what he described as the “exploitative” politics of the former administration.
The political temperature in Kenya is rising as the 2027 general election approaches. In Kisumu, the “Linda Mwananchi” faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a major rally on Monday, signaling a deepening rift within the nation’s largest opposition party.
The faction, which challenges the leadership of Oburu Oginga, vowed to field its own presidential candidate, further complicating the alliance between ODM and the ruling UDA party.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan Parliament began reviewing a significant new framework for mineral revenue sharing. Mining Minister Salim Joho outlined a vision for expanded prospecting, though the move has sparked localized protests in Vihiga County over the environmental and social impacts of extraction.
In the sporting world, Abraham Chesang and Gladys Cheruiyot were crowned champions of the 2026 Eldoret City Marathon on Monday, cementing Eldoret’s reputation as the “City of Champions” amid preparations for upcoming international qualifiers.
